A Slice of Cake With... Steven Smith

This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Steven Smith.

Steven lives in Bedfordshire, in a small town just under an hour train ride north of London. He has a passion for books, owning and runing a book blog called Books and Beyond Reviews. He reviews books there, as well as the occasional author Q and A, guest post, cover reveal and weekly feature, Friday Face-Off. So in case you hadn’t worked it out, Steven is an avid reader.

Aside from books, Steven is a lover of music, films, a range of sports (mostly from the sofa) and video games. He has an interest in all things historic, from ancient to modern.

Having spent a lot of time reading and writing on his blog, the next obvious step for Steven was to write fiction of his own, rather than always commenting on the works of others. His first book is Chasing Shadows, a steampunk adventure following roguish airship captain Edison Crow and his childhood friend Selah as they battle through a life of petty crime to tackle a threat to their very safety and that of their crew.

What kind of books do you write?

I write fiction based on an alternative history. Think the Victorian era with steam technology. Vast steam engines, airships, and other contraptions all powered by steam. A world where the Victorian period became technologically advanced through steam power.

Can you describe your writing why?

I’ve always loved creating characters and worlds. There is something satisfying in taking a nugget of an idea and fleshing it out into a fully realised character, location or situation. I am not much by way of a planner, more of a panster. I love writing and fully knowing what is coming next. But the feeling once I finish, nothing comes close. It’s a fantastic sense of accomplishment.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

This particular passage takes place in the late stages of my debut novel, Chasing Shadows. It’s close to the endgame. It highlights a meeting between my lead character Captain Edison Crow and the villainous Atticus Rigby.

Head bowed, his long hair covering his face, Atticus Rigby held his mangled right hand close to his chest. An animalistic sound rose from his chest, unsettling Crow deeply. It evolved into a maniacal howling laugh. He threw his head back to let it ring around the room. As the laughter died, he levelled his eyes on Crow, peering through matted, dishevelled hair.

Tell us about your latest project

I am currently working on the sequel to Chasing Shadows. It’s working title is As The Crow Flies. It follows on from the events in the first book, with Captain Edison Crow and his crew seeking to unravel a long hidden mystery.

What is your favourite cake?

This one is probably the toughest question yet - either coffee and walnut, or Black Forest gateau. Not sure I could choose just one!

You can connect with Steven here:

Website: authorstevensmith.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorStevenSmith
Twitter: twitter.com/ATCFpublishing
Instagram: instagram.com/stevensmithauthor
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCIyIm3T0MwTxyLHv1WE8eLw

Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Ella Cook. 

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake on Kofi - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.